Wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication device for communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem via an Ethernet connection using a first radio transceiver at a first location and communicating with a second radio transceiver at a customer&#39;s premises, wherein the housing connects to a supporting strand which supports a coaxial cable carrying a RF spectrum signal and AC power as described herein.

The current application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/471,978 filed May 20, 2003 and co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/484,493 filed Jul. 3, 2003, which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a wireless communication deviceto transmit information from a bi-directional high speed data cablemodem/router via an Ethernet connection. The device generally uses tworadio transceivers for an inexpensive data and communication deviceusable without the need for construction or hardwiring.

BACKGROUND

Hybrid fiber coaxial networks (HFC networks) are typically used fordelivery of television signals to subscribers. Each subscriberrepresents either an individual or a business and is connected to thecable TV HFC network through a trunk and branch configuration toindividual subscribers.

The HFC network can also carry a connection to the Internet, voice, faxand data. To date, customers in business have had great challenges inconnecting to the HFC network. The present invention was designed tomeet that need.

A need has long existed to expand the serviceable market to provideInternet, voice, fax and data connectivity. The present inventionaddresses the need to a less expensive and faster technique to permitcustomers to access these services over cable in commercial facilities.

Another need in the business was to have a system that can be usedthrough a window so that no roof rights are required by a client forconnecting to the HFC network.

SUMMARY

The device is a housing with a bidirectional high speed datamodem/router operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a firstradio processor card, and a switching power supply. The includedsplitter is adapted to engage the coaxial cable and split the RFspectrum signal from the AC power. The device includes at least oneheating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contents of thehousing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present system will be described in greater detail withreference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the system.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of the strand with accompanying coaxialcable used in the method of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the customer's site connected to the system.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of electronic devices connected to the system.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claimsdefines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes isrecognized as including equivalents to the various elements orlimitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, allreferences below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certainspecific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized thatreferences to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited inone or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of theinventions will now be described in greater detail below, includingspecific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are notlimited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are includedto enable a person having ordinary skill in the pertinent art to makeand use the inventions, when the information in this patent is combinedwith available information and technology. Various terms as used hereinare defined below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not definedbelow, it should be given the broadest definition persons in thepertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publicationsand issued patents.

With reference to the figures, an embodiment is wireless communicationdevice for communicating information from a bidirectional high speeddata cable modem/router via an Ethernet connection. The device uses afirst radio transceiver at a first location and a second radiotransceiver at a customer's premises.

The device includes a housing with a bidirectional high speed datamodem/router operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a firstradio processor card, and a switching power supply. The includedsplitter is adapted to engage the coaxial cable and split the RFspectrum signal from the AC power. The device includes at least oneheating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contents of thehousing.

FIG. 1 relates to the system used to communicate information from abidirectional high speed data cable modem/router via a wireless Ethernetconnection, which can be a radio transceiver and cable combination to acustomer's location.

Wirelessly communicating is preferably radio based communication, butcan include infrared, laser based or light based communication. Inaddition, other electromagnetic frequency communication (microwave)frequency can be used within the scope of this invention.

Although the system is illustrated as a single particular communicationschannel in FIG. 1, multiple links and channels of those links, such ascommunications links of wired and wireless channels, can be used inembodiments of the invention described herein.

Returning to FIG. 1, a cable modem/router (12), such as a DOCSIS cablemodem/router, is disposed in a housing (13). The cable modem/router andhousing are connected to a supporting strand (18), such as with a firstmounting bracket (10) and a second mounting bracket (11). The supportingstrand supports a fiber/coaxial cable (19). The housing is preferablywater or weather resistant housing, such as one made from moldedplastic, metal, a composite, a weatherproof water tight coated laminateor combinations thereof. The housing is large enough to hold the cablemodem/router, at least one heating and/or cooling device, one or moreradio transceivers, a power supply converter, thermostat (107), andassociated cables. The housing can also include a lightning protector.

The supporting strand (18) described in the invention is shown in detailin FIG. 2, wherein the strand supports the fiber/coaxial cable (19)which contains an RF spectrum signal (20), which is preferably a CATVsignal, but can also be other types of signals. The RF spectrum signalcan have digital content, such as digital music, and also returninformation, such as compressed video libraries. The coaxial cable (19)also provides a source of AC power (22) which is typically betweenapproximately 50 volts up to and slightly exceeding 100 volts. In oneembodiment, the supporting strand (18) and the fiber/coaxial cable (19)are sealed inside a material, such as rubber.

Returning to FIG. 1, a splitter (24) receives the input from thefiber/coaxial cable (19) and splits the input into an RF spectrum signal(20) and the AC power (22). Preferably the splitters accept a combinedAC/RF signal fed into a single input, such as an F connector, andseparates the combined AC/RF into two separate outputs, one being RF andthe other being the AC power, each with their own connectors.

The RF spectrum signal is communicated to a bidirectional high speeddata cable modem/router (12) which is preferably a DOCSIS cablemodem/router, such as a model PCX 100 manufactured by Toshiba of TokyoJapan, or a similar data over cable system interface specification(DOCSIS) modem/router, such as those available from Cisco of SunnyvaleCalif. or Motorola of Arizona.

The cable modem/router (12) communicates with a first processor PCB(105) which can accommodate either one or two radio transceivers (15)over a cable (100) in the preferred embodiment. The radio transceiver istypically any wireless device or 802.11X wireless device, such as anOrinoco Wireless networks radio transceiver or a Dell model 1150 TrueMobile 11 Mbps Wireless LAN adapter or another compatible 802.11Xreceiver as known to one skilled in the art.

The first processor PCB (105), power supply (30), radio transceiver (15)and the cable modem/router (12) are temperature regulated using firstheating and/or cooling device (34) and optionally a second heatingand/or cooling device (36). The first radio transceiver, cablemodem/router, and heating and cooling devices in the housing (13) areall powered from an AC to DC power supply (30) that provides a pluralityof DC power supplies (29 a, 29 b, 29 c, 29 d, and 29 e) to each of theseunits.

The power results from the AC power being split from the coaxial cablethen transmitted to a switching power supply such as a switching powersupply from Integrated Power Design, which converts and regulates the ACto DC power. The outputs are between 0.1 and 48 volts DC current. One ormore outputs of the switching power supply can have this voltage. In theembodiments, the outputs are preferably either 12 volts or 9 volts each.The first processor card (105) communicates with a radio transceiver(15). The first radio transceiver (15) preferably communicates with afirst antenna (101) via an RF cable (102). Antennas manufactured by ArcWireless of Denver, Colo. are particularly usable in the invention.

The first radio transceiver (15) preferably communicates with a firstantenna (101) via an RF cable (102). Antennas manufactured by ArcWireless of Denver, Colo. are particularly usable in the invention.

The first antenna (101) wirelessly communicates with a second antenna(103) at a client's premise (17). The second antenna communicates with asecond radio transceiver (16) that communicates to a second processorcard (106) that communicates to a client device (305) via an Ethernetcable (104).

In a preferred embodiment, the first antenna is fastened to a polemounting bracket (82) that in turn is typically fastened to a utilitypole for stability. The second antenna either can be roof mounted ormounted behind a non-metallic wall or window for communicating with thefirst antenna.

An example of a method using the system generally includes splitting thesignal with an RF/power splitter from the coaxial cable into the RFspectrum signal and the AC power.

The method further includes transmitting the RF spectrum signal from thesplitter into the bidirectional high speed data cable modem/router andgenerating a digital Ethernet signal from the modem/router to the firstprocessor card and the first radio transceiver.

The method can include converting the AC power to DC power using aconverter and stepping down the voltage with a switching power supply.

Further, the method includes converting the AC power to DC power using aconverter and stepping down the voltage with a switching power supply.The switching power is then used to supply power to the modem/router,processor and the radio transceiver, as well as a plurality of heatingand cooling devices. The heating and cooling devices are adapted to heator cool the contents of the housing.

The processor signals are communicated from the processor PCB to thefirst radio transceiver. The method continues by communicating thesignal from the first radio transceiver to a first antenna, transmittingthe signal from the first antenna to a second antenna and communicatingthe signal from the second antenna to a second radio transceiver then toa client device.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable modem/router can perform halfduplex communications. However, full duplex communications are alsoappropriate depending upon a specific application.

FIG. 3 depicts the customer's premises using the device. A signal fromthe first antenna (101) is transmitted into a customer's premises (17).The signal is received by the second antenna (103), which connects tothe second radio transceiver (16). The second transceiver (16) connectsto a second radio processor card (106). The card (106) then transmits anEthernet signal carried by a cable (104), which is preferably a Ethernetcable that communicates via a cable (204), to the customer's LAN orcomputer or other Ethernet device.

Power to operate the radio processor card (106) and the antenna (103) isprovided by a power over Ethernet system that includes an AC switchingpower supply (201) connected to a power cord (202), which is connectedto an Ethernet power inserter (203), which delivers power across theEthernet cable (104) to the processor card affiliated with the antenna(103). An antenna communicates with the second processor card andcarries the bidirectional signal to the client's device (205) that canattach to a hub, switch, router or other Ethernet connection.

In one embodiment, the cable modem/router (12) communicates with a WideArea network (“WAN”) connection (20). In another embodiment, theprocessor card (16) communicates with a client device (205) such as a PCor Local Area network (“LAN”) connection.

In one embodiment, the bidirectional high speed data modem/router is adata over cable system interface specification (DOCSIS) modem/router.The DOCSIS modem/router can have a functionality consisting of automaticregistration, encryption, and automatic assignment of IP addresses.

In one embodiment, the client device includes a computer, a local areanetwork (LAN), a network hub, a remote terminal unit for monitoringremote equipment, a camera, fax, phone, or combinations thereof.

The computer can be any micro processing device that includes processingand memory functions, such as a personal digital assistant, a notebookcomputer, a processor-equipped cellular phone or any other similardevice.

The computer can further include a co-processor module, which includes adigital signal processor (DSP) to enhance processing capabilities andcapacity of the computer. The DSP of the co-processor module can serve avariety of functions and operations, such as, supplying addedencryption/decryption, communications, protocol handling and locationcapabilities, e.g., global positioning system calculations, for example.The co-processor module is particularly suited for enabling andenhancing operations of the computer according to the protocols and ASPservices systems and methods described herein.

In one embodiment, the system further includes a housing to encase thesplitter, first radio transceiver, converter, switching power supply andcommunication links. The housing can be formed of a material such asmolded plastic, a metal, a composite material, weatherproof sealedcoated laminate or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the system further includes a second transceiverdisposed in the housing in parallel communication with the bidirectionalhigh speed data modem/router. For example, the modem/router can beconnected to the strand independent of connection to a utility pole.

In one embodiment, the housing further includes a detector for detectinga first location of the client device. For example, the detector is acomputer. The invention is capable of the bi-directional transmission ofsuch information that may be one or more signals such as data, phone,fax, video, audio, USB, Internet, multimedia or any combination thereof.

FIG. 4 depicts the embodiment of the system of wirelessly communicatinginformation from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem via anEthernet connection that uses a first radio transceiver at a firstlocation and communicates to a plurality of electronic devices. Eachelectronic device includes radio transceivers. The method entailsbeaming the signal from the first antenna to at least one of a pluralityof electronic devices (501 a, 501 b, 501 c, 501 d, and 501 e).

Examples of electronic devices (501 a, 501 b, 501 c, 501 d, and 501 e)are laptops, PCs computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), personalelectronic devices communicating with satellites, cell phones, GPSlocation devices, or other mobile electronic devices that can interfaceto networks. The radio transceiver card installed in the electronicdevices can be card rated IEEE 802.11b or 802.11 g card or a similartype card.

The method creates a public access area known as a “hot spot” from thehousing. The housing contains modems and other equipment to connect tothe electronic devices for public high speed internet access. The methodadditionally includes authentication techniques to enable access by auser using a defined protocol, such as a set of e-mail addresses.

The method can also be adapted to comprise further a technique, such asmanagement techniques, billing techniques, accounting techniques,reporting techniques, and combinations thereof. These techniques enableadditional reports on at least one of the electronic devices.

The method also include the unique features including

-   -   a. capable of incorporating any cable modem/router into the        device that meets the enclosures size and power requirements;    -   b. capable of providing point-to-point and or        point-to-multipoint transmission of secure non 802.X signal        using inexpensive 802.X hardware;    -   c. usable as a standard 802.11X access point allowing users to        access high speed internet and/or local area networks        wirelessly;    -   d. usable as a 802.11X “Hot Spot” device with the ability to        communicate with a AAA appliances or any other 802.11X wireless        device and allow clients high speed internet access through        various means of authentication such as, but not limited to a        user's email address or credit card information;    -   e. ability to change operation of the device to any of the above        claims 2, 3, or 4 through changes in software switches; and    -   f. usable as a unique pole mounting bracket that allows for a        stable mounting of the antenna that in most cities does not        require a permit because no contact with the utility pole itself        is made.

The device can be used as part of a wireless communication systemadapted for communicating information from a bidirectional high speeddata cable modem/router via an Ethernet connection. The systemcommunicates the information using a first radio transceiver at a firstlocation and sends the information to a second radio transceiver at acustomer's premises.

The system includes a housing containing a bidirectional high speed datamodem/router operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a firstradio processor card, and a switching power supply. The housing isoperably connected to a supporting cable strand. The supporting cablestrand simultaneously supports a coaxial cable carrying an RF spectrumsignal and an AC power signal. The system has at least one heating andcooling device to heat and cool contents of the housing.

The system also includes a splitter adapted to engage the coaxial cableand split the RF spectrum signal from the AC power.

The first radio processor card is adapted to send a signal from thefirst radio transceiver, send the same signal to the first antenna, andthen beam the signal from the first antenna to a second antenna.

The system is also adapted to communicate the signal from the secondantenna to a second radio transceiver and then to a second radioprocessor card and then to a client device.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on thepreferred embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope ofthe appended claims, these embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

1. A wireless communication device for communicating information from abidirectional high speed data cable modem via an Ethernet connectionusing a first radio transceiver at a first location and communicatingwith a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises comprising: a.a housing containing a interchangeable bidirectional high speed datamodem operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a first radioprocessor card, and a switching power supply, wherein the housingfurther comprises a mounting bracket to connect the housing to a strandcomprising a coaxial cable; b. a splitter adapted to engage the coaxialcable and split the RF spectrum signal from AC power, wherein theswitching power supply converts the AC power to DC power; and c. atleast one heating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contentsof the housing.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the interchangeablebidirectional high speed data modem communicates with a Wide Areanetwork (“WAN”) connection.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein theinterchangeable bidirectional high speed data modem communicates with awireless Local Area network (“LAN”) connection.
 4. The device of claim1, wherein the Interchangeable bidirectional high speed datamodem/router is a data over cable system interface specification(DOCSIS) modem/router.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the DOCSISmodem/router has a functionality consisting of automatic registration,encryption, and automatic assignment of IP addresses.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is formed of a material comprising moldedplastic, a metal, a composite material, weatherproof sealed coatedlaminate or combinations thereof.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein thehousing further comprises a second interchangeable bidirectional highspeed data modem disposed in parallel communication with theinterchangeable bidirectional high speed data modem.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein housing further comprises a detector for detecting afirst location of the client device.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe interchangeable modem is a router.